by Danni Roan
Around her, on the benches that provided seating for her friends and family smiled happily, though Nona sniffed between every smile.
Walking sedately beside her father, Mary looked up at the face of the man who would be hers for the rest of their life, and the light in his eyes zipped through her like an electric bolt.
Today her world grew. Today she would say good-bye to life on the Broken J and hello to something different. She thanked God that He had seen fit to give her someone to start that journey with who loved and understood her.
Today wasn’t about the beautiful dress her family had made her, or the food, that would be shared with all. Today was about the joining of two hearts, and a union that would bless many.
The preacher’s words seemed a gentle buzzing in Mary’s ears as she took Barrister’s hand and spoke her vows of love and commitment.
She didn’t know what lay in store for her and Barr, but she knew that with faith and a little help from those she loved her life was starting over.
After the wedding the congregation made their way back to the Broken J where a veritable feast awaited.
The music, laughter and cheer of the crowd were a serenade to the young couple’s romance, as they became one.
Joy washed over the ranch like a tidal wave washing everyone in a warm loving glow.
“She’ll be alright won’t she?” Katie asked as Will guided her around the yard to a slow waltz.
“She’ll be just fine darling,” Will whispered. “She’s your daughter after all.”
Epilogue
“How are you today Pastor George?” Mary asked carrying a hot cup of tea to the pastor of the small parish in Cheyenne.
Mary and Barr had arrived nearly three weeks ago to get settled into the parsonage with the old gentleman. Mary had liked George from the minute they had met. After hearing her older cousin Anna’s tale of love, romance, and renewal, and how the good pastor had played a role in Annabelle and Hazen’s own happily ever after, Mary felt that she knew the man already.
“It’s warming up a bit,” Pastor George commented taking the proffered cup. “I can feel it in these old bones,” he added with a grin. The wizened man seemed more ancient that even Ye-Ye had been to Mary, his once plump face withered with time lines.
“I’m glad your bones can tell it’s almost summer,” Mary offered with a smile.
“I’m guessing Barr is off combing the streets for others who need a safe haven?” the old man said.
“Yes he is,” Mary said with a smile taking a sip of her own tea as she settled on a small chair.
“Been a lot of stray people through this old place,” George mused. “When my Joan and me first came here there weren’t four people willing to darken that door. My Joanie’s been home in heaven a goodly spell now,” he continued, “but the work goes on.”
Mary had enjoyed hearing of the Pastor George’s assignment to Cheyenne and had laughed at the story he’d told of leaving behind an arrogant young preacher and a clever school teacher at his church in Nebraska many years before.
“I’m glad you two young people are here and that the Salvation Army is taking over this place,” the old man said smacking his lips at the taste of sugar in his tea. “We need more young people like you doing good work.” His blue eyes peered up over the rim of his cup and he grinned again. “Did I ever tell you about helping sailors find a new life?”
Mary tipped her head to the side intrigued. “No, were you working near the sea at the time?”
George Jones shook his head, his mop of fluffy white hair swaying like cotton in the wind. “No, I was right here, me and Joan both. We’d only just left Nebraska behind when I was asked to find a place for a man of the sea to work and get away from the harsh realm of a sailor’s lot.”
“Someone asked you to find work for a sailor, but you’re all the way here in Wyoming.”
George nodded. “I’ve got contacts you see,” he said. “Joan and me both knew folks all over the country who could find the right kind of work for men who wanted to change their life. A young woman named Xenia was the one who wrote to me. Seems she and a young man got shanghaied in New York a few years before hand and then they opened a school for folks who wanted to leave life on the sea behind.”
“That’s very strange isn’t it?” Mary asked.
“Didn’t used to be,” George offered. “Used to happen pretty often, but now the practice is all but gone. Now we have other work to do.”
Mary nodded. She and Barr had already found several men, who now returned to their old lives, were struggling to adjust.
“It seems there is always so much to do,” she commented, noting how the old pastor was growing sleepy.
“The work is never ending,” Pastor George agreed. “We are all simply given our small part to do, and the rest we must leave up to God.”
Mary smiled again taking the empty cup from the old preacher and placing it on a table nearby. “I think you should rest a bit,” she said pulling a soft knit blanket over his lap. “I’ll get supper ready, and tonight you can tell us more about these sailors. I’m sure the others will love to hear about it.”
Pastor George smiled and for a moment his eyes twinkled and Mary got a glimpse of a younger man peering out at her. The old man had dedicated his life to the service of God and the care of others, and even now, he was helping her learn how to live this new life.
“Mary,” Barr’s voice echoed in the kitchen and Mary hurried toward the sound shushing her husband gently.
“I’m here,” she said smiling at Barr who pulled her in for a quick kiss.
“I’ve got three more coming to the mission tonight. They’ve been sleeping in the streets, but the building we’ve converted to a simple barracks out back will suit them just fine.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Mary said squeezing Barr’s hands. “I’ll add a little more to the stew tonight, and I’ve got three loaves rising in the pantry now.”
“You’re amazing Mary Bridgette Abrams,” Barr said with a smile. “I can’t believe you’re actually here with me and that I get to love you for the rest of my life.”
Mary laughed. “Who knew that a plane crash could be so good for someone?” she teased leaning in and kissing Barr one more time.
Barr pulled Mary into his arms and turned to look out the kitchen window watching two bedraggled men walk into the old barn they’d changed into free housing.
“I think we’re doing something good here,” he said. “I love you more than I can say, and I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Mary snuggled under Barr’s arm wrapping her arms around his waist. Today something new was happening, and she knew she was exactly where she needed to be. Here with the man she loved, doing something to help her fellow man.
The End
Other Books by this Author:
From the Cattleman’s Daughters
Katie Isabella
FionaAlexis
Meg Mae
Tales from Biders Clump
Christmas Kringle
Quil’s Careful Cowboy
Bruno’s Belligerent Beauty
Tywyn’sTroubles
A Teaching Touch
Prissy’s Predicament
Lucinda’s Luck
Ferd’s Fair Favor
The Travels of Titus
Winter’s Worth
Strong Hearts: Open Spirits
Maggie’s ValleySadina’s Stocking
Celestre’s Song Beloved Beulah
Whispers in Wyoming
Love Letters & Home
Counting Kadence
Mercy’s Light
Falling Forward
Racing Destiny
The Ornamental Match Maker
Carousel Horse Christmas
Loose Goose Christmas
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Dear Reader,
Thank you for choosing to read my book. I hope you have enjoyed it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it. If you enjoyed the story please feel free to leave a review wherever you purchased the book. Leaving a review will help me and prospective readers to know what you liked about this book. It is an opportunity for your voice to be heard and for you to tell others why the story is worth a read.
About the Author
Danni Roan, a native of western Pennsylvania, spent her childhood roaming the lush green mountains on horseback. She has always loved westerns and specifically western romance and is thrilled to be part of this exciting genre. She has lived and worked overseas with her husband and tries to incorporate the unique quality of the people she has met throughout the years into her books. Although Danni is a relatively new author on the scene she has been a story teller for her entire life, even causing her mother to remark that as a child “If she told a story, she had to tell the whole story.” Danni is truly excited about this new adventure in writing and hopes that you will enjoy reading her stories as much as she enjoys writing them.
